San Diego, CA
Opinion: Let’s help Alzheimer’s patients manage their own lives with dignity
![Opinion: Let’s help Alzheimer’s patients manage their own lives with dignity Opinion: Let’s help Alzheimer’s patients manage their own lives with dignity](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/0218_nws_ldn-l-evicted.jpg?w=1024&h=683)
As we mark Alzheimer’s Awareness Month during September, we honor the millions of Americans and their families navigating the profound challenges of this devastating disease. Yet, amidst our awareness, we must confront a harsh reality: California’s Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) law currently excludes those who may need it the most — individuals in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s disease who still possess cognitive capacity.
In 2020, roughly 720,000 Californians, or 12 percent of those over 65, were living with Alzheimer’s. This number will rise as the size of this age group continues to increase. Despite this growing crisis, our laws fail to provide a compassionate option for those facing the terrifying loss of cognitive function. Many people in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s retain the mental ability to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care but live in fear of a future where that ability is lost. They are aware of what lies ahead — a slow decline into confusion and dependency. Allowing these individuals access to California’s Medical Aid in Dying would enable them to make a proactive, dignified choice about their end-of-life care, preserving their autonomy.
California’s End of Life Option Act, passed in 2016, was a significant step forward in providing terminally ill adults with the choice to end their lives peacefully and on their own terms. However, the law’s requirement for mental competence at the time of request, and the ability to self-administer the medication, effectively excludes Alzheimer’s patients, whose cognitive decline is a hallmark of their illness. While Alzheimer’s is undeniably a terminal illness, its progression is unpredictable, making it nearly impossible for patients to time a request for California’s Medical Aid in Dying before losing their decision-making capacity.
This is more than a legal issue — it is a moral one. By excluding those with Alzheimer’s from accessing California’s Medical Aid in Dying, we are denying them the right to die with dignity, forcing them to endure a prolonged and often agonizing decline. My mother was among those denied this choice. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she made the brave decision to travel to Switzerland, where she could end her life on her terms, with dignity, and surrounded by her daughters. The fact that she had to leave her home and country to achieve this is a travesty. No one should have to cross international borders to die with dignity.
California has long been a leader in end-of-life care, but it is time to extend this compassion and dignity to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. We must revise the End of Life Option Act to allow those in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s, who still have cognitive capacity, to qualify for California’s Medical Aid in Dying. Many people with dementia would prefer a peaceful, dignified death over years of decline in a care facility, even if it means giving up good days to avoid bad years. They deserve the right to make this choice.
My mother’s journey to Switzerland was not just an act of self-determination; it was an indictment of a system that forced her to leave her home to die peacefully. It’s time to change the law so that people like my mother can choose to die with dignity in their own homes, surrounded by loved ones, without the need for international travel. We owe it to those facing the devastating reality of Alzheimer’s to provide them with the same end-of-life choices available to others with terminal illnesses.
This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s take action. It’s time to ensure that those with Alzheimer’s can live their final days with dignity, compassion and control.
Golemb is a founding member of A Better Exit, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding California’s End of Life Option Act. She lives in Kensington.
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San Diego, CA
Victims to speak at parole hearing for 2001 Santana High School shooter
![Victims to speak at parole hearing for 2001 Santana High School shooter Victims to speak at parole hearing for 2001 Santana High School shooter](https://media.nbcsandiego.com/2024/09/GettyImages-827674-e1725923410946.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&resize=1200%2C675)
A parole hearing is scheduled Tuesday for the then-teenager who killed two students and wounded more than a dozen other victims at Santana High School, and several people affected by the mass shooting more than 20 years ago are expected to be in attendance.
Charles “Andy” Williams was 15 years old when he carried out the shooting on March 5, 2001, that killed 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon. The shooting also injured 11 other students and two school staff members.
But those injuries don’t take into account the lifelong impacts survivors like Lauren Bachmann have suffered. The shooting happened on her 16th birthday.
“Loud noises really startle me,” Bachmann said. “Even just the smallest things day to day, like I said, if I see a shooting, I’m paralyzed.”
The shooter pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison before a change in state law altered how juveniles tried as adults come up for parole. The Youthful Parole law means juveniles who receive life sentences are entitled to parole hearings no later than 25 years into their sentences.
“I think it sends a horrible message to potential mass shooters in the future,” Bachmann said. “I think if you commit a crime when you’re 15, you’ll only serve maybe 25, 30 years, and then you’ll get out, so really, there’s not a harsh penalty for being so monstrous, even at a young age.”
Kristen Dare was among the survivors who started an online petition to keep the gunman locked up.
“He was given a sentence, and he hasn’t served that time,” Dare said. “I think really it comes down to justice for the two boys, you know. Bryan and Randy aren’t here to advocate for themselves, and, you know, we really need to be the ones that speak up for their behalf.”
As a result of the shooting, the mother of two opted to send her children to neighboring West Hills, instead of Santana.
“Our home was at Santana, so it’s very bittersweet that, you know, we didn’t feel enough of a comfort level to even send our own kiddos there,” Dare said.
Now Dare and Bachmann will be among the survivors sharing virtual victim impact statements with the state parole board on Tuesday.
“I think about my classmates that don’t have a voice — Randy and Bryan — that don’t get a say in [Tuesday’s] hearing, and then I have a lot of classmates that have succumbed to addiction or death from addiction or suicide,” Bachmann said.
The survivors are hoping the lasting impact of that fateful day will speak loud enough to keep the admitted killer behind bars.
“We do have to set, like, a standard,” Bachmann said. “This isn’t OK. It’s not OK for our children to have to live through these situations, and for victims like Randy’s mother. There’s no justice for her in this.”
The shooting at Santana High School happened nearly two years after the deadly shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado.
First responders said the shooter was inside a bathroom with two wounded students when they arrived at the scene. It was later learned that the shooter was reloading a gun to step outside the bathroom to fire the weapon.
When patrol deputy Ali Perez rounded the corner, the gunman calmly surrendered.
“He was really calm, and I’ll never forget this as long as I live. He was really calm, and he kind of smiled, and said, ‘It’s just me, I’m the only one,’” Perez said.
The shooting changed the way San Diego law enforcement agencies respond to mass casualty events. The Immediate Action, Rapid Deployment (IARD) made it standard practice for any law enforcement agency to enter a critical incident scene as soon as possible with the objective of finding and stopping the threat with the least amount of force.
San Diego, CA
The best things to do this week in San Diego: Sept. 9-13
![The best things to do this week in San Diego: Sept. 9-13 The best things to do this week in San Diego: Sept. 9-13](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SUT-L-PINK-01.jpg?w=1024&h=671)
Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Sept. 9 to Friday, Sept. 13.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
And for things to do in the arts this fall, go here: Everything we’re excited about this season in San Diego
Monday
Quint Gallery: ‘Kelsey Brookes: Gradient Paintings’ and ‘Lee Materazzi: ¢a$h&¢arry’ The Quint Gallery space will offer top two concurrent exhibitions this fall. First, longtime local Brookes continues to perfect his psychedelic works and will be showcasing new works that see him experimenting with a new foreground painting technique. Lee Materazzi’s “¢a$h&¢arry” is a traveling exhibition of hundreds of photographic works from San Francisco-based painter, all priced at $50 each. On view through Oct. 12. Quint Gallery, 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 454-3409, quintgallery.com
Art Produce Gallery: Diana Benavidez: The longtime local is revered for her artful take on the piñata, but during her recent residency at the North Park art space, she delved deeper into paper-based experimentation to create one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn garments. These new works will be on display in Art Produce’s Cooler Room space. Runs Saturday through Sept. 21. Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., North Park. Free. By appointment. (619) 500-2787, artproduce.org
Tuesday
Free pet adoption at County animal shelters: San Diego County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees through Sept. 10 at its animal shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign. The campaign, which started 10 years ago, is sponsored by NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 San Diego. When picking a pet online to adopt, Animal Services recommends having a second and third choice in case the first choice is already adopted. Community members who can’t adopt a pet are encouraged to consider fostering a pet. Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at both the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road, in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road, in Carlsbad. Visit sddac.com.
Kiersten White: “Lucy Undying”: The bestselling local fantasy and sci-fi writer is back with her first vampire novel in a while. This one is an original take on a minor character from Bram Stoker’s original “Dracula.” 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St., No. 107, Point Loma. Free. (619) 539-7137, mystgalaxy.com
Wednesday
Sasha Abramsky: “Chaos Comes Calling: The Battle Against the Far-Right Takeover of Small-Town America”: The longtime political journalist will be in town to discuss and sign his new nonfiction account of two communities struggling to fight back against far-right extremism. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Summer Carnival Tour: Pink, Sheryl Crow, The Script, and DJ KidCutUp will perform at the San Diego stop of the Summer Carnival Tour. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego. Ticket start at $48.60. ticketmaster.com/pnk-summer-carnival-2024-san-diego-california-09-11-2024/event/0A005F7D0739464B
Thursday
Taste of Old Town, Tequila Tour: This annual event spotlights Old Town’s diverse culinary scene, featuring a variety of dishes from the area’s restaurants. The self-guided tour includes a map to participating Old Town restaurants that will showcase their signature dishes. Tickets can be upgraded to include a Tequila Tour. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday with check-in starting at 5:45 p.m. at 4010 Twiggs St. or 4105 Taylor St. Tickets are $15-$55. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/taste.
Mission Bay kayak tour: Ocean Connectors offers a Wildin’ Mission Bay Kayak Eco Tour through Mission Bay starts from Paradise Point Resort and Spa or Mission Bay Resort. Participants can see marine life and birds and learn about local conservation efforts and Ocean Connectors’ mission. 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive. Cost is $35-$55. Visit oceanconnectors.org/mission-bay.
Beginner Square Dance classes kick off: The Wranglers Square Dance Club will start a new square dance class. Internationally renowned caller Buddy Weaver will be the instructor. Come solo or as a couple. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive Cost is $10 per lesson. Visit squaredancewithus.com.
Friday
Alley Cat Art Walk: The 13th annual Alley Cat Art Walk will feature fine arts, crafts, live music, vendors, craft booths, food, wine, beer and prizes. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Downtown El Cajon. Free. downtownelcajon.com/alley-cat-art-walk
Free admission at Water Conservation Garden: The Water Conservation Garden offers free admission on Sept. 13 at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive W. The garden features 6 acres of themed gardens that demonstrate water conservation, ranging from a native plant garden to a vegetable garden, along with exhibits on how to add mulch and irrigate. Visit thegarden.org.
Author to discuss latest novel at library: Local author Laura McNeal will read and discuss her latest novel, “The Swan’s Nest.” The book tells the story of 19th-century poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning and will be available for sale and signing. An open mic for local writers to share their poetry and prose will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the author’s presentation. McNeal was a National Book Award finalist for her novel “Dark Water.” For questions, email kbgressitt@gmail.com. 6 to 7 p.m. Friday. Sept. 13 at Writers Read at the Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Road. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/66393e8e1e57af280042fd7e
San Diego, CA
4 injured in series of pellet gun attacks in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood
![4 injured in series of pellet gun attacks in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood 4 injured in series of pellet gun attacks in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3057ae4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1273x668+0+20/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9a%2F3f%2F8cdc63ac4347b3d2d5bf1a451e2d%2Fscreen-shot-2022-12-04-at-8.30.46%20AM.png)
SAN DIEGO (CNS) – At least four people were injured in a series of pellet gun shootings in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, authorities said Sunday.
Four shooting attacks occurred, the most recent of which was around 2 a.m. Sunday, in the area of 10th and University avenues, according to the San Diego Police Department.
“The suspects were seen driving in a light-colored minivan and described as white males,” the department reported in a statement.
Police investigate string of pellet gun attacks as possible hate crime
There are at least four victims, but they were not seriously injured, police said.
The motive for the shootings was unclear, but police said they were investigating the attacks as hate crimes. They did not explain why.
Authorities urged anyone with information about the shootings or persons involved to call the SDPD at 619-531-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580- 8477.
In May, similar pellet gun attacks took place in the same neighborhood that left multiple people with injuries.
Copyright 2024, City News Service, Inc.
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